If you’ve got plans this weekend, cancel them. Pull out your diary right now, turn to the page that says “30th– 31st July and write a big fat booked.
Make sure your cupboard and fridge is stocked to the brim because this weekend is the Total 24 Hours of Spa.
For those of you that have absolutely no idea what I am talking about, the Spa 24 Hours is the pinnacle of global GT3 racing. Teams from around the world travel to the glorious Spa Francorchamps circuit in the Arden of Belgium to participate in the world-renowned event, all with one goal. To be crowned king of the toughest GT3 race in the world.
The jewel in the crown of the Blancpain Endurance Series is upon in the shape of the Total 24hrs of Spa held at Spa Francorchamps one of the most loved and respected tracks in the world. A truly gruelling twice round the clock marathon that tests the best of man machine and team.
Speed is not everything here as important as it is but also, strategy and a good dose of luck. In recent years the German marques have dominated the race with Mercedes AMG, BMW and Audi sharing the top of the podium with Ingoldstadt being more successful thanks to gun home team WRT.
The frequency of Pro class Mercedes will no doubtedly play a big part in the race, a five-minute penalty for AMGs transgressions didn’t stop them from finishing on the podium last year so this year should be no different.
Rowe Racing return to defend their crown with the M6, they know what it takes to win, will they do it again? Bentley threatened last year but their own mistakes undid any hope at a win, will their triumph at the last endurance round at Paul Ricard give them the boost to make up for the mistakes of last year?
Grasser Racing Team and its Huracans have had a great year so far but reliability is still a question mark for the Austrian Gottfried Grasser and his merry men.
Their traditional counterparts Ferrari are stronger this year with at least two all Pro Ferraris in the mix which is a welcome sight for fans of the Italian marque. And then there’s Nissan. And McLaren. And well pretty much every GT3 car you could think of.
The weather has forecasted rain across the weekend but who knows? Its Spa after all. The race starts at 12:30am Sunday morning (AEST) as one of the toughest tests in motorsport will begin for its 2017 edition.
Paddock Pass Media 